On 6 November, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) concluded its 81st session. Highlights included the periodic review of Angola and Burkina Faso, and the launch of Declaration+25 and a tracker for civic space in Africa.
We are taking stock of the situation of State reporting to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, in particular the challenges that remain to ensure regular and reliable human rights reporting.
An event held on 18 October 2024 on the sidelines of the African Commission's 81st session shed light on restrictions on the work of human rights defenders in Côte d’Ivoire - specifically with respect to freedom of association and assembly, the shrinking of civic space, and the particular threats faced by those who defend the rights of LGBTIQ+ people.
The 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Commission, or ACHPR) will be held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 17 October 2024 to 6 November 2024. The session will be preceded by the NGO Forum, which will also be held in Banjul from 13 to 15 October 2024.
The 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council (9 September - 11 October) will consider issues including intimidation and reprisals for cooperating with the UN, arbitrary detention, systemic racism, enforced disappearances, climate change, water and sanitation, and the rights of Indigenous Peoples and people of African descent, among others.
Between 9 and 11 July 2024, ISHR together with Colombian partners Asosciaciación Minga, the Colombian Commission of Jurists and the Somos Defensores Program organised a cross regional discussion on protection mechanisms for human rights defenders.
Participants in a two-day workshop on the operationalisation of the defenders’ protection mechanism in Côte d’Ivoire developed an action plan centred around four pillars to strengthen the visibility of the Committee and its collaboration with civil society organisations, among others.
As the United Nations face a historic liquidity crisis due to unpaid dues, civil society urges Member States to fulfill their financial obligations, safeguarding critical human rights operations.
Effectively realising human rights for everyone, everywhere is the pathway to free, fair and just communities and a more peaceful and sustainable world. This must remain our north star as we face the multiple and worsening crises and conflicts around the world, write ISHR Director Phil Lynch and Board Chair Vrinda Grover.
